ostrica

Forms

ostrica f (genitive ostricae); first declension^[1] The DMLBS also has forms such as ostrigium.^[2]

Etymology

It is from Vulgar Latin avis strūthiō (“ostrich bird”),^[3][2] from Latin avis (“bird”) and Late Latin strūthiō (“ostrich”).^[3][1] The DMLBS compares Middle English ostriche and Old French ostrice, ostruce.^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler dates its first record, in Latham's word list, to before 1250.^[1] It meant the ostrich.^[2][1]

Semantic evolution

The DMLBS quotes it in a medical text for the ostrich's egg, and in later records of the bird itself and its feathers.^[2] English had ostrich from the early 13th century, from Old French ostruce and Medieval Latin ostrica.^[3]

Timeline

• before 1250 – First record in Latham's word list, according to Köbler.^[1]
• c. 1376 – A will leaves a hall hung with ostrich feathers.^[2]
• 1384 – Royal letters grant the keeping of two ostriches presented by men of Ghent.^[2]
• 1401 – The keeping of the king's ostrich is granted.^[2]

Meanings

Noun

1. (Medieval Latin) An ostrich.^[2][1][3]

Related words

• strūthiō
• English ostrich

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com